Karen Trola was 51, piloting a plane out of Truckee, CA, and she crashed with 3 passengers. Everyone survived, but it left Karen in a wheelchair. However, not only did Karen survive, but she thrives as a paraplegic woman... as a professional woman in real estate, as an avid world traveler, and as an active sports fanatic, adapting each sport to accommodate her paralysis. She water skis, goes canoeing and horseback riding with her husband Steve, rides 4-wheelers, snorkels, is an award-winning martial arts expert, coaches soccer, and gives back to her community in a variety of ways. She is indeed unstoppable! Her favorite saying is, "I can still do it!" And she finds ways to do everything except deep sea diving, and she would do that if the doctors would let her!!
This book. I CAN STILL DO IT! is her personal story, a motivational read with 53 photos to give visuals to her moving account. With a huge support system, determination, creativity, and ahistory of physicality, she inspires everyone who knows her or knows of her. Here is what many people in her life have to say about her and this book:
A Horrifying Crash... Amazing Lady!
Karen Trolan is a fighter, survivor, teacher and friend. After a horrifying crash she continues to define courage and passion and has the ability to change people's lives with her will power and love. Amazing lady! Jeff Barnett, VP & REGIONAL MANAGER, Alain Pinel Realtors(R), Los Gatos, CA, CAR Director for Life NAR Hall of Fame, Realtor(R) of the Year 1998 & 2008
Recommending this Book to Every Patient
Inspirational!!! This book shows the power of faith, determination, and the importance of taking personal accountability for one's decisions in how to live his/her life. I'm recommending this book to every patient of mine and anyone who has encountered a setback and wants to turn it into a comeback! Dr. James Lu, PT, DPT, LAc, Dipl. OM, OCS, MTC, CSAS
Inspirational Journey of Hope and Grit
For close to 20 years I have had the privilege of knowing and working with Karen Trolan in the crazy world of California real estate. Compared to the rest of us mere mortals, Karen is a nova that never dims - she has always done more in less time (and generally with more heart) than anyone I have ever known.
Karen's love for skiing and flying led to a horrific accident that could have destroyed her life; however, it only served to strengthen her resolve to be the best wife, mother, REALTOR(R) and ultimately the best person that any of us could ever hope to be. The determination and love in the Trolan family is a wonder to behold. Karen's book is an inspirational journey of hope and grit - like Karen it stands as a testament to everyone that we should never give up on our dreams simply because of a nightmare. I CAN STILL DO IT! is a must read for anyone who needs a role model to guide them along a difficult life path. Victoria B. Naidorf, J.D., Broker Risk Management
Never Giving Up
Yep, it's a great story about life and passion and never giving up. Inspirational. Shihan Russ Rhodes, 10th Degree Black Belt (Martial Arts Instructor) plus four other Black Belts
Double Down on Determination
By nature, people are pessimistic, even in the most optimistic of positions. I have never known anyone with more grit and enthusiasm for life than Karen. Her disabling circumstances have only pushed her to double down on her determination to succeed at everything she desires to do. Her authentic insights will richly bless those who read her story. Mike Hulme, President of Alain Pinel Realtors, Silicon Valley
Encourages Us All
A brave friend and student, Martial Artist Karen Trolan was a pilot of a small plane and in a plane crash. Her horrific injuries included paraplegia, but she had faith and never gave up hope. Her inspiring story encourages us all that we can do it. The author addresses the determination, stamina, courage and compassion of oneself facing a life-threatening condition. A definite read.
Samuel Kwok, Grandmaster Wing Chun, Qi Gong, Instructor, Author of TRADITIONAL WOODEN DUMMY and MASTERING WING CHUN
Persistence and Grit
When I first worked with Karen on horseback in an arena at a therapeutic riding center after her accident, I pointed to a trail high on a hill and said "If you work hard at this, we'll be riding up there someday." She and her husband now own horses of their own, plus a truck and trailer, and they camp and ride on many such trails in beautiful parks throughout California. Persistence and grit. Karen personifies both. Niki Lamb
Captivating Journey
Karen is uniquely gifted with determination and grace, to not just live but to thrive and to inspire all those around her. Now her story will bring hope and inspiration to the thousands that read her captivating journey following a life-changing plane crash. Mark Keirstead, Co-Founder and Executive Director, One Step Closer Therapeutic Riding
An Inspiration in My Life
Karen's return to our patrol team has truly been an inspiration in my life. After two decades of professional ski patrolling I have seldom witnessed the courage and strength that she brings to the mountain every time she puts on her cross. From the summit of Mt. Pluto to greeting our guests at mid mountain, she embodies the true spirit of what it means to be a patroller. Forrest Philpot, Northstar California Ski Patrol Director
Courage and Tenacity
Karen is tenacious and has an amazing human spirit. She has worked through her challenges and prevailed. She is the same positive and active person I have known for nearly forty years. Observing Karen on a personal level after the accident, I saw this was not an easy process, yet she fought through the pain and all the medical setbacks. If you desire inspiration and need encouragement to get through the day, this is the book for you. Let Karen's journey help you improve your life and show you how to be active while living life to its fullest. She is inspirational to all of us at any level, proving the human spirit is stronger than the physical.
Every time I talk to Karen I am inspired and empowered. Her courage and tenacity are contagious. Her book will improve your life no matter your situation. Holly Vargas
Life Is What You Make of It.
Absolutely amazing, Karen's story from the accident to where she is today is truly inspiring. Every challenge that was thrown her way has been overshadowed by her accomplishments. Her dedication to family and God proves to all of us that LIFE is what you make of it. Vince Arthur, Director of Base Area Operations, Heavenly Mtn Resort
A Warrior, an Inspiration, and a Hero
Karen Trolan is one of the most amazing women I have ever met. She is a warrior, an inspiration, and a hero. By reading her book we can all learn about overcoming the impossible, through faith and endurance. I love this woman for who she is and what she has accomplished. Her book, I CAN DO IT! is an inspirational must-read. Cynthia Rothrock, Action Film Star (55 credits) and Producer (7 credits), Martial Arts Instructor (5 Black Belts), Inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame, Inside Kung-Fu Hall of Fame, and the International Sports Hall of Fame
